New Jersey Assembly Bill A1780

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires registry of animal rescue organizations; requires animal rescue, pet shop, shelter, or pound notify person adopting or purchasing animal of animal's behavioral and medical history; designated as "Rocky's Law."

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws related to animal welfare and consumer protection. By requiring that pet shops and shelters disclose comprehensive histories of animals, it fosters a more transparent practice in the sale and adoption of pets. This is particularly essential for protecting families, as it addresses potential risks associated with untrained or unsafe animals being placed into homes. Additionally, it amends existing statutes related to consumer fraud, imposing strict penalties for non-compliance, including fines that could reach five times the adoption or purchase fee in cases where a failure to disclose leads to harm.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1780, also known as "Rocky's Law", mandates that all animal rescue organizations, shelters, pounds, and pet shops in New Jersey provide detailed disclosures regarding the behavioral and medical history of animals prior to their sale or adoption. This legislation aims to enhance consumer protection and ensure that individuals adopting or purchasing animals are fully informed about an animal's past, including any behavioral issues, health conditions, or history of dangerous behavior. The bill requires a complete medical examination by a licensed veterinarian and a behavioral assessment by a certified professional, with documentation maintained to verify compliance.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding A1780 stem from concerns regarding the feasibility of enforcing such rigorous documentation requirements. Opponents argue that the amendments could place undue burdens on smaller shelters and rescue organizations that may lack the resources to comply with stringent behavioral assessments. Proponents maintain that the benefits of better-informed pet ownership and potential reduction in abandonment or harm resulting from undisclosed behavioral issues outweigh these concerns. As the bill continues to circulate through the legislative process, discussions will likely revolve around finding a balance that protects consumers while ensuring that shelters and rescues can still operate effectively.